• The Irish Sign Language Act, 2017 was signed into law on 24th December 2017.
• A Commencement Order was signed by Minister O’Gorman and Minister of State Rabbitte which provided for commencement of the Act today, December 23rd 2020.
• The Act recognises Irish Sign Language (ISL) as a native language of the State and provides that the ‘community of persons using Irish Sign Language shall have the right to use, develop and preserve Irish Sign Language’.
• The Act sets out requirements and obligations on public bodies for the provision of ISL services.
The Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Ms Anne Rabbitte T.D. today confirmed that the Order signed jointly with Minister for Disability Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Mr Roderic O’Gorman T.D. has commenced the Irish Sign Language Act 2017.
Reiterating her statements to the Seanad on the 15th December, Minister Rabbitte stated that,
The commencement of the Act is a milestone moment for the Irish Sign Language population for whom this is one of the most important pieces of legislation ever passed in this country. However, each and every one of us should share in celebrating this moment. At the end of this most difficult year we have the opportunity to recognise, celebrate and commit to support our unique, native and independent language.
The Irish Sign Language Act recognises the right of the Deaf community to use ISL as their native language and to use, develop and preserve it. The Act places a corresponding duty on all public bodies to provide ISL speakers with free interpretation when availing of or seeking to access statutory entitlements and services. In addition, the Act provides for specific duties and obligations in the areas of legal proceedings, educational provision and broadcasting.
In announcing the commencement of the Act, Minister Rabbitte added:
I would like to acknowledge the huge amount of work that has gone into realising this legislation, in particular my colleagues in Seanad Éireann, none more so that the Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly whose tireless championing of this cause is commendable. However, above all, this day belongs to the Deaf community, the roughly 50,000 people who communicate in ISL on a daily basis as part of their work, or interactions with family and the 5,000 within that number who are native Deaf signers whose preferred language is ISL. They and those before them have long called for this moment. To them I say congratulations and that I hope and believe this legislation makes our country a better place for each and every one of you.
Much work has been completed in getting our public services ready for commencement but I am also very aware that commencement does not mean completed. There is significant and evolving short and long-term work remaining to be done. I am committed to making sure that this is accomplished and, in accordance with Section 10 of the Act, I have arranged for the preparation of a report on the Irish Sign Language Act to be completed in 2021. This will give a clear picture of where we are and what is needed next to ensure the Act delivers for our ISL community.